Customizable Projectile Designed for Separation

ABSTRACT

A projectile for a firearm and a method of making the projectile. The projectile separates into fragments upon striking a target. The direction and paths of the fragment are determined by the dimensions and shape of the fragments.

This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/885,306 filed Oct. 1, 2013 and U.S. Ser. No. 61/925,495 filed Jan. 9, 2014.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The field of the invention is projectiles for use in cartridges fired from handguns and other firearms.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The typical projectile is designed to create a single trajectory through a target. This particular outcome may be adequate for target shooting; however, to create the most damage to a target, as is the case in hunting, it is desirable to have multiple projectiles in multiple trajectories. One method of producing multiple trajectories is to design a projectile which separates upon impact. Thus, when the projectile strikes a target, pieces of the original projectile break away from the original trajectory and proceed in a direction different from the original trajectory, maximizing the damage to the target.

A problem observed with current projectiles designed to break apart, is the inability to control the separation. The trajectories created by these projectiles are inconsistent, meaning the fragments may arbitrarily follow the same trajectory as the original projectile or separate trajectories. Also, the size and performance of the fragments may be inconsistent and unpredictable, the distance traveled by the fragment may be inconsistent, and the size of the fragment may be small or large, thus affecting the depth to which the fragments penetrate the target.

Projectiles designed for the controlled separation of fragments may rely on certain designs, which fail to maximize the damage to a target. Often, the material used to make the projectile is too soft to facilitate a clean separation without the use of a weakened point cut into the projectile. Additionally, scoring of the tail end of the projectile may be required to facilitate separation. The scoring of the tail end will result in the complete fragmentation of the projectile, not allowing any pieces to follow the original trajectory. Much more effective designs are achieved by the current invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The current invention comprises designs for the precise separation of a projectile, with the ability to create consistent separation and consistent trajectories of multiple pieces or fragments, thus maximizing control of the projectile and the damage inflicted on the target. The design of the projectile may be tailored to the specification of the shooter or designer. The projectile comprises materials which facilitate the precise separation of consistent fragments from the base. It is to be understood that the term “fragment”, as used in this specification, refers to the one or more projectiles, parts, or pieces that result when the original projectile separates into multiple parts or pieces in accordance with the design of the original projectile. For convenience, this specification will refer to the resulting projectiles, pieces, or parts as “fragments” to distinguish them from the original, whole projectile prior to separation or “fragmentation” into pieces, parts or fragments of the original projectile. Many of the fragments referenced in the specification will also be “projectiles” in their own right. The use of “fragment” is not intended to be technical or to describe something different from a “projectile”, but is merely used to distinguish the pieces of the designed projectile from the entire, assembled projectile.

The projectile is generally made of copper or similar material; however, any type of metal, composite, or combination thereof may be used. Other suitable materials may also be used. One or more fragments separate from the main projectile without the need for additional lines of weakness along the base of the projectile. The projectile may have one or more slits along the sides of the projectile to define the shape of the two or more newly separated fragments and facilitate precise, accurate separation, allowing the base projectile to maintain a consistent direction toward the main target site. The customized projectile may be made and marketed for special purposes, such as for hunters or competitive shooters, with certain shapes and/or colors designating each special purpose. The customized projectiles may also be made in special colors or styles for men, women, sports teams, and other persons or groups. The customization, thus, provides opportunities for marketing advantages for the manufacturer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a projectile used in a firearm according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the projectile of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the projectile of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a view of the top of the leading end of the projectile of FIG. 1 showing four slits.

FIG. 5 is a view of the top of the leading end of the projectile of FIG. 1 showing eight slits.

FIG. 6 is a view of a single fragment of a projectile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view of an alternative embodiment of a single fragment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the projectile in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the projectile of FIG. 8 containing a Delrin® portion.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the projectile of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the projectile of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the projectile of FIG. 11 containing a Delrin® portion.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the projectile of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a schematic showing the results of a projectile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, fired into a block of ballistic gel.

FIG. 15 is a schematic showing the results of a projectile, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, fired into a block of ballistic gel.

FIG. 16 is a schematic showing the results of a projectile, according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, fired into a block of ballistic gel.

FIG. 17 is a view of the top of the leading end of another alternative embodiment of the projectile of FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is a view of a single fragment of the projectile of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a schematic showing the results of the projectile of FIG. 17, fired into a block of ballistic gel.

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a projectile used in a firearm according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a view of the top of the leading end of the projectile of FIG. 20 showing a single slit

FIG. 22 is a side view of another alternative embodiment of the a projectile with a tip that separates from a base of the projectile upon impact with a target.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the tip of the projectile of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a side view of the base of the projectile of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a tip for the projectile of FIG. 22

FIG. 26 is a side view of another alternative embodiment of a tip for the projectile of FIG. 22.

FIG. 27 contains schematic side views of the projectile of FIG. 22 showing how the tip of the projectile fits on the base of the projectile.

FIG. 28 contains schematic side views of the projectile of FIG. 22 and a conventional projectile showing how the tip of the projectile fits on the base of the projectile.

FIG. 29 contains schematic entrance end views of the respective cavities created by the projectile of FIG. 22 and a conventional projectile when shot into ballistic gel.

FIG. 30 contains schematic side views of the respective cavities created by the projectile of FIG. 22 and a conventional projectile when shot into ballistic gel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a projectile used in a firearm according to one embodiment of the present invention. The projectile 100 is generally cylindrical shaped with a first portion 110 (the leading end) extended to form a partial dome with a flattened top. A second or middle portion 116 of the projectile 100 extends from the first or leading end portion 110. The second portion 116 generally has a smaller diameter than the first portion 110 and a third or base portion 112 (the trailing end), although the second portion 116 may vary in diameter and length. The third portion 112, which makes up the base of the projectile 100, extends from the second portion 116, opposite the first portion 110, and generally has the same diameter as the bottom of the first portion 110, although the third portion 112 may vary in diameter and length.

The projectile 100 contains slits 114 that begin at the top of the first portion 110. The slits 114 are perpendicular to the top edge of the first portion 110 and run vertically, ending just below the top edge of the second portion 116. However, the number, width and length of the slits 114 may vary. For example, the slits 114 may continue vertically into the third portion 112. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment 100′ of the projectile of FIG. 1. The embodiment 100′ consists of slits 114′ that begin at the top of the first portion 110′. The slits 114′ run diagonally across the first portion 110′, ending just after the top edge of the second portion 116′, or into the third portion 112′. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment 100″ of the projectile of FIG. 1. The embodiment 100″ consists of a second portion 116″ which extends from the first portion 110″at an angle. More specifically, the top of the second portion 116″ may have a smaller diameter than the bottom of the second portion 116″, however, the angle, diameter and length of the second portion 116″ may vary.

FIG. 4 shows an opening 120 that continues longitudinally through the center of the projectile 100 and may end at the top edge of the second portion 116. The slits 114 continue through the wall of the projectile 100 to the opening 120. The depth of the opening 120 and the number, size, etc. of the slits 114 determines the number, size, and trajectory of the fragments 130. For example, four slits (shown in FIG. 4) may be applied to the projectile 100 resulting in the separation of four fragments 130 from the third portion 112, or eight slits (shown in FIG. 5) may be applied resulting in the separation of eight fragments 130. Additionally, the opening 120 may contain a sub projectile. The sub projectile may generally be cylindrical shaped with a rounded leading end, but may be of various other shapes. Similarly, the sub projectile may generally be made of the same material as the projectile 100 but may be made of various other materials such as metals, plastics or any combination thereof. The sub projectile may separate from the third portion 112 and continue on a trajectory separate from the fragments 130 and third portion 112, increasing the damage to the target.

When the projectile 100 is fired from a firearm, the projectile 100 retains its original form until it makes contact with the target. Upon impact, the fragments 130 separate from the third portion 112 along the first portion 110 of the projectile 100, generally from the point at which the slits 114 end, although the projectile may be designed in a way to cause the fragments 130 to separate from another point on the projectile 100. FIG. 6 shows a view of a single fragment 130 of a projectile according to the present invention. The leading edge 132 of the fragment 130 may be flat or may be angled to varying degrees. FIG. 7 is a view of an alternative embodiment 130′ of a single fragment which shows the leading edge 132′ angled inwards toward the center of the projectile. The degree to which the leading edge 132 of the fragment 130 is angled may be adjusted to accomplish the desired performance of the projectile 100 upon impact with a target.

The adjustments made to the projectile 100 are used to precisely control the performance of the projectile 100 when fired from a firearm and upon impact. For example, an adjustment applied to the projectile 100 to make the opening 120 more or less wide may, upon impact with a target, cause the trajectory of the fragments 130 to travel farther away or closer to the trajectory of the original projectile 100. Similarly, the same adjustment may cause the fragments 130 to travel a shorter or farther distance once contact is made with a target. The precise separation of the fragments 130 from the projectile 100 and the ability to manipulate the performance of the projectile 100 is a benefit provided by the present invention which has not been provided by fragmenting projectiles currently found on the market.

FIG. 8 shows the schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment 200 of the projectile 100, designed to have a second portion 216 encased in a layer of Delrin®. The embodiment 200 is generally cylindrical shaped with a first portion 210 extended to form a partial dome with flat sides and a flattened top. The embodiment 200 contains slits 214 that begin at the top of the first portion 210 and continue down the second portion 216 in a longitudinal direction ending just before a third portion 212 of the embodiment 200. There is an opening 220 that continues through the center of the embodiment 200. The slits 214 continue through the wall of the embodiment 200 to the opening 220. The depth of the opening 220 and the size of the slits 214 determine the number, size, and trajectory of fragments 230. Additionally, the opening 220 may be filled with Delrin® which further facilitates the separation of the fragments 230. The Delrin® also improves the structural integrity of the projectile while it is transported, handled, and loaded. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment 200′ of the embodiment 200 with the leading end extending to form a partial dome that consists of rounded sides.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment 200 containing a Delrin® portion 202. The Delrin® portion 202 surrounds the second portion 216. The Delrin® may cover the slits 214 without precluding the fragments 230 from separating from the second portion 212. However, the slits 214 may continue through the Delrin ® portion 202 partially or completely. The Delrin® portion 202 may remain adhered to the second portion 216 of the projectile 200 until it connects with a target. Upon impact, the Delrin® portion 202 separates from the fragments 230 as the fragments 230 separate from the third portion 212 and travel on separate trajectories resulting in greater damage to the target. The use of the Delrin® portion of the projectile has an additional benefit of causing less wear on the barrel of a gun than a traditional projectile.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment 300 of the embodiment 200. The embodiment 300 is designed to be used in a higher caliber firearm. The embodiment 300 is designed to have the second portion 316 encased in a layer of Delrin®. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment 300 containing a Delrin® portion 302. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment 300′ of the embodiment 300, with the first portion 310′ extending to form a partial dome that consists of rounded sides.

FIG. 14 is a graph of the results of a projectile, according to one embodiment of the current invention, fired into a block of ballistic gel. As shown in FIG. 14, when the projectile 100 penetrates the ballistic gel, the fragments 130 separate from the third portion 112. Each fragment 130 travels on a separate trajectory, away from the original trajectory. The third portion 112 follows the original trajectory, consistent with the main target site. The particular design of the projectile depicted in FIG. 14 facilitates the precise separation of the fragments 130 from the third portion 112 and determines the trajectory of each fragment 130, as well as the third portion 112. As can be seen, each fragment 130 travels seven inches into the ballistic gel, while the third portion 112 travels fifteen inches. The fragments 130 travel on trajectories away from the original trajectory, spreading nine inches across the ballistic gel.

FIG. 15 is a graph of the results of a projectile, according to an alternative embodiment of the projectile, fired into a block of ballistic gel. The alternative embodiment exhibits the customizable aspect of the current invention. The projectile (of FIG. 14 for example) may be altered to accurately produce the results in FIG. 15. The projectile may be modified in a way that would cause the fragments to penetrate the ballistic gel nine inches, instead of seven, as in FIG. 14. The modification may also cause the fragments to travel on trajectories which remain closer to the original trajectory, spreading seven inches instead of nine. Further, the modification may decrease the penetration of the third portion 112, resulting in penetration of thirteen inches instead of fifteen.

Just as in FIG. 15, FIG. 16 shows that modifications made to the projectile of the current invention may accurately produce different, yet desired, results. FIG. 15 shows the results of a projectile, according to another alternative embodiment of the projectile, fired into a block of ballistic gel. In this example, the modifications made to the projectile cause the fragments 130 to travel on trajectories that penetrate the ballistic gel thirteen inches while the third portion 112 penetrates fourteen inches. The modifications made to the projectile cause the trajectories of the fragments to spread ten inches across the ballistic gel. The results depicted in FIGS. 14-16 exemplify the improved design of the current invention which allows the performance of the separating projectile to be precisely and accurately controlled.

FIG. 17 is a view of the top of the leading end of another alternative embodiment 400 of the projectile of FIG. 1. The embodiment 400 does not have an opening 120 as in the projectile 100. The embodiment 400 contains slits 414 that run vertically through the body of the embodiment 400. The length, size, shape etc. of the slits 414 may vary, for example the slits 414 may run just into a second portion 416 of the embodiment 400 or into a third portion 412. The slits 414 continue through the wall of the embodiment 400 to the center. The first portion 410 extends out from the embodiment 400 to form a partial dome, with a flat leading edge 432. Just as in the projectile 100, the slits 414 determine the shape and size of the fragments 432. FIG. 18 is a view of a single fragment 430 of the embodiment 400.

The design of the embodiment 400 provides the ability to control the separation of some of the fragments 430, while leaving one or more fragments 430 still attached to the third portion 412. FIG. 19 is a schematic showing the results of a projectile in accordance with the embodiment 400, fired into a block of ballistic gel. Just as the projectile 100, the modifications made to the embodiment 400 may accurately produce different, yet desired, results. The particular design of the projectile in FIG. 19, for example, causes three of the fragments 430 to travel nine inches into the ballistic gel while the third portion 412, with one fragment 430 remaining attached, traveled thirteen inches. The fragments 430 that separate from the third portion 412 travel away from the original trajectory, spreading across the ballistic gel seven inches.

Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, namely, a smaller (e.g. 9 mm) projectile 500. The projectile 500 is generally cylindrical shaped with a first portion 510 (the leading end) extended to form a partial dome with a flattened top. A second or middle portion 516 of the projectile 500 extends from the first or leading end portion 510. The second portion 516 generally has a smaller diameter than the first portion 510 and a third or base portion 512 (the trailing end), although the second portion 516 may vary in diameter and length. The third portion 512, which makes up the base of the projectile 500, extends from the second portion 516, opposite the first portion 510, and generally has the same diameter as the bottom of the first portion 510, although the third portion 512 may vary in diameter and length. The projectile 500 contains a slit 514 that begins at the top of the first portion 510. The slit 514 is perpendicular to the top edge of the first portion 510 and runs vertically, ending just after the top edge of the second portion 516. In this embodiment, the single slit 514 is used in order to maintain a weight necessary to provide desired performance of the projectile 500. This alternative structure provides two fragments 530, each having a leading edge 532. It will be noted, especially with respect to the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1-21, that if any of the fragments exit a target, there will be less damage elsewhere due to the smaller size of the fragments, as compared to a whole intact projectile exiting the target.

Yet another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 22-28. The projectile 600 shown in FIG. 22 comprises a base 601 with a tip 602 having a leading end 603. As shown in FIG. 23, the tip 602 has a peg-like projection 610 extending from a bottom thereof which fits into a hole 604 (dotted lines) in an upper portion 605 of the base 601, as shown in FIG. 24. The base 601 is typically made out of a metal such as copper. The tip 602 is typically made out of a composite material such as Delrin®. Of course, other materials may be used. The tip 602 is designed to separate from the base 601 when the projectile 600 impacts a target.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 24, the base 601 may have compression rings or raised ridges 606 along the outer circumference of the base 601. If the base 601 has raised ridges 606 , only the ridges 606 make contact with the inside of the barrel of the firearm as the projectile is discharged from the barrel, thus reducing the surface area of the base 601 coming into contact with the inside of the barrel and reducing the friction between the projectile 600 and the inside of the barrel of the firearm as the projectile exits the barrel. Of course, the base may be made without the ridges 606, as well.

An upper portion 607 of the sides of the hole 604 in the base 601 may have a larger diameter than the lower portion of the hole 604. This may be accomplished by beveling the upper portion 607 of the hole 604. The larger diameter or beveling allows the projection 610 of the tip 602 to more easily separate from the base 601 upon impact with a target.

The leading end 603 of the tip 602 shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is flat. FIGS. 25 and 26 show alternative embodiments of the leading end 603 of the tip 602. The leading end 608 of the alternative embodiment of the tip 602 shown in FIG. 25 is pointed, and the leading end 609 of another alternative embodiment of the tip 602 shown in FIG. 26 is rounded. Of course, other shapes and sizes of tips 602 may be used.

In some cases it may be desired to create lines of weakness in the projectile 600 to aid the tip 602 in separating from the base 601. FIG. 26 shows such a slit 612 in the peg-like projection 610 and FIG. 25 shows an exemplary slit 611 in leading end 603 of the tip 602. Of course, multiple slits such as 611 and 612 may be placed in the leading end 603 and/or the projection 610 of the tip 602.

The tip 602 fits on the base 601 as shown schematically in FIG. 27, such that the projection 610 of the tip 602 is in the hole 604 in the base 601.

When made with a copper base 601 and composite (such as Delrin®) tip 602 the projectile 600 has several advantages. The use of the lighter weight tip 602 favorably balances the projectile 600. FIG. 28 shows the center of mass CM to be more in the middle of the base 601in projectile 600 than the center of mass CM of a conventional projectile designated C in FIG. 28. This results in a more balanced projectile 600, which makes it more accurate after it is fired and makes the projectile 600 stabilize sooner after it exits the barrel of the firearm.

The performance of the projectile 600 is similar to the performance of a wadcutter. Wadcutters can do substantial damage to a target. They are accurate at short distances, but, due to the heavy, blunt leading end, are not accurate at longer distances. The use of the tip 602 increases the accuracy of the base 601 as it is propelled toward the target. When it reaches the target, the tip 602 separates from the base 601so that the base 601 can cause damage commensurate with that of a wadcutter even at longer distances due to the additional accuracy afforded by the tip 602. Moreover, since the base of the projectile 600 has a flat top and flat bottom, the projectile 600 (like a wadcutter) has sharp edges and, thus, a cutting effect when it hits a target. The damage (cavity) 620 in ballistic gel G effected by the use of the projectile 600 is shown schematically in FIGS. 29 and 30. FIG. 29 shows the entrance end of the ballistic gel G for the projectile 600 (designated P2 in FIG. 29) compared to the cavity 620 at the entrance end of the ballistic gel G for a conventional projectile (designated C2 in FIG. 29). FIG. 30 shows a schematic side view of the damage (cavity) 620 the ballistic gel G for the projectile 600 (designated P3) as compared to the damage (cavity) 620 for a conventional projectile designated C3.

Thus, the above described alternative embodiment projectile 600 is a lighter projectile with greater kinetic energy, produces less recoil in the firearm than a conventional projectile, is more favorably balanced and accurate at longer distances than a wadcutter, creates a great deal more damage when it hits the target due to the separation of the tip 602 from the base 601, and results in less friction due to the ridges 606 on the base 601. 

We claim as follows:
 1. A firearm projectile that separates into fragments upon impact with a target, the projectile comprising: (a) a leading end portion; (b) a middle portion extending from the leading end portion to a base portion, the middle portion being connected to the leading end portion and the base portion at opposite ends of the middle portion; (c) one or more slits formed in the projectile and dividing the projectile into at least two, separated fragments, each fragment connected to the base portion, the separated fragments forming an opening therebetween; whereby, when the projectile strikes a target, the fragments separate from one another at the slits.
 2. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the projectile is made of metal.
 3. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the projectile is made of copper.
 4. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the leading end forms a partial dome with a flattened top.
 5. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the slits extend from the top of the leading end portion to a top of the base portion.
 6. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the slits extend at an angle through the leading end portion.
 7. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the slits are in the leading end portion.
 8. The projectile of claim 1 wherein tops of the leading end portions are angled inward toward a center of the projectile.
 9. The projectile of claim 1 wherein there are slits forming four or more fragments.
 10. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the dimensions of the leading end portion and the middle portion are varied to alter the direction, speed, and path length of the leading end portion after the projectile strikes a target.
 11. The projectile of claim 1 wherein Delrin® is contained in the opening between the fragments.
 12. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the middle portion of the projectile is encased in a layer of Delrin®.
 13. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the paths, speed, and directions of the projectiles after striking a target are changed based on the dimensions and shapes of the fragments.
 14. A firearm projectile that separates into fragments upon impact with a target, the projectile comprising: (a) a base having a hole in an upper portion thereof; (b) a tip having a leading end and a bottom end, the bottom end having a projection extending therefrom that is inserted in the hole in the upper portion of the base; whereby, when the projectile strikes a target, the projection of the tip separates from the hole in the base, the tip separates from the base, and the base and the tip impact the target in separate locations.
 15. The firearm projectile of claim 14 wherein the base has raised ridges.
 16. The firearm projectile of claim 14 wherein the base is made of metal.
 17. The firearm projectile of claim 14 wherein the base is made of copper.
 18. The firearm projectile of claim 14 wherein the tip is made of composite material.
 19. The firearm projectile of claim 14 wherein the tip is made of Delrin.
 20. The firearm projectile of claim 14 wherein the leading end of the tip comprises a rounded, pointed, or flat surface.
 21. The firearm projectile of claim 14 wherein the hole is beveled at an upper edge thereof.
 22. The firearm projectile of claim 14 wherein the tip has one or more lines of weakness.
 23. A method of making a firearm projectile that separates into fragments upon impact with a target, the method comprising: (a) forming a projectile comprised of a leading end portion and a base portion, the portions connected to one another; (b) shaping said portions so that they form an opening therebetween; and (c) cutting one or more lines of weakness in at least one of the portions to separate the projectile into fragments upon impact with a target.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein the projectile is formed out of metal.
 25. The method of claim 23 wherein tops of the leading end portions of the fragments are angled inward toward a center of the projectile.
 26. The method of claim 23 wherein Delrin® is placed in an opening between the fragments.
 27. The method of claim 23 wherein Delrin is removably installed around the outside of one or more portions of the projectile.
 28. The method of claim 23 wherein the projectile is formed with a lathe.
 29. The method of claim 23 wherein the leading end portion of the projectile is formed as a partial dome with a flattened top. 